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Second major Canadian retailer stops selling bisphenol A bottles

Environmental Defence congratulates Lululemon for choosing not to sell
bottles with toxic chemical
TORONTO, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - Lululemon became the second large Canadian
retailer to stop selling polycarbonate water bottles that leach the toxic
chemical, bisphenol A. The decision takes effect in January. With mounting
evidence for the chemical's dangers, Lululemon has followed Mountain Equipment
Co-op's example in deciding to stock safer alternatives.
Environmental Defence applauded Lululemon today for putting their
customers' health first. Bisphenol A is currently under review as part of the
federal government's Chemicals Management Plan, and the Ontario government
recently announced an expert panel will review bisphenol A and other toxic
chemicals with a view to regulating them.
"These are the retailers that get it," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive
Director, Environmental Defence. "They recognize that there are alternatives
and have made their customers' health the priority. I have no doubt that other
large Canadian retailers will be following suit in short order."
Lululemon and Mountain Equipment Co-op have joined Patagonia in deciding
not to sell the hard plastic bottles that leach bisphenol A. The chemical is
found in clear reusable water bottles and baby bottles made from
polycarbonate, as well as in the linings of some food cans (including infant
formula cans).
Two recent panels in the U.S. have pointed to potential health effects of
exposure to bisphenol A. The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences expert panel of 38 leading scientists found that most people are
exposed to bisphenol A at levels higher than those that cause health effects
in animal studies. An expert panel of the U.S. National Toxicology Program
concluded recently that bisphenol A exposure to fetuses and to children could
have behavioural and nervous system impacts.
"The dangers of bisphenol A in food and drink are becoming clear, and it
won't be long before this chemical is gone completely from food and beverage
containers," said Dr. Kapil Khatter, Environmental Defence's Pollution Policy
Advisor.
Washington, DC-based Environmental Working Group and Environmental
Defence co-released a study recently that found bisphenol A in the linings of
all major manufacturers of canned infant formula. Previous studies show that
the bisphenol A leaches into the formula. Environmental Defence is working
with daycare centres across Canada to remove products containing bisphenol A.
As part of its national Toxic Nation campaign, Environmental Defence has
tested Canadians and politicians for toxic chemicals in their bodies. Everyone
tested for bisphenol A had measurable levels in their blood. Full test results
are available online at www.toxicnation.ca.
About Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental
Defence protects the environment and human health. We research. We educate. We
go to court when we have to. All in order to ensure clean air, safe food and
thriving ecosystems. Nationwide.